AWD
$43,490 +ORC
- Engine
- 2.5L petrol
- Fuel use
- 7.9 L/100 km
- Drive
- AWD
Cheapest way in. Symmetrical AWD, X-Mode, cloth trim.
Subaru
2026 Subaru Forester
Medium SUV
On sale nowPetrol
From $43,490 plus on-road costs
The sixth-generation Forester arrives with the Symmetrical AWD layout that has defined the nameplate since 1997, paired with Subaru's 2.5-litre naturally aspirated boxer four.
From$43,490+ORC
Engine2.5L petrol
Fuel use6.2 to 7.9 L/100 km
Seats5
Boot484 L
Warranty5 yrs / unlimited km
CarTell take
We haven't driven the Forester yet. On paper, hybrid Touring at $55,990 plus on-roads cross-shops against the hybrid RAV4 and Tucson HEV. If hybrid efficiency matters more than AWD, the Subaru is harder to justify at the top of the range.
Why consider it
- Symmetrical AWD across the range with X-Mode dirt and snow modes built in.
- EyeSight ADAS standard, 5-star ANCAP against the 2024 protocol.
What to know
- No hybrid for Australia at launch.
- The 2.5L NA boxer paired with the CVT is honest rather than exciting.
Who it suits
Outdoor and mountain families who genuinely use AWD. Snow trips, fire trails, beach access, kayaks on the roof. The Sport or Premium grade is the value sweet spot.
Small families
5 seats, 5-star ANCAP
Adventurers
AWD with real capability
Performance and ownership
The numbers that matter day to day.2.5L petrol
Powertrain
6.2 to 7.9 L/100 km
Claimed fuel use
Combined cycle.
5 yrs / unlimited km
Warranty
Grades and pricing
7 grades for Australia, plus on-road costs.| Grade | Price from | Engine | Fuel use | Drive | Key differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD | $43,490 +ORC | 2.5L petrol | 7.9 L/100 km | AWD | Cheapest way in. Symmetrical AWD, X-Mode, cloth trim. |
| AWD Premium | $46,490 +ORC | 2.5L petrol | 7.9 L/100 km | AWD | Leather, 12.3-inch driver cluster, the mid-spec sweet spot. |
| AWD Hybrid | $46,490 +ORC | 2.5L petrol hybrid | 6.2 L/100 km | AWD | |
| AWD Sport | $48,490 +ORC | 2.5L petrol | 7.9 L/100 km | AWD | 19-inch alloys, sport seats, blacked-out exterior trim. |
| AWD Touring | $50,990 +ORC | 2.5L petrol | 7.9 L/100 km | AWD | Harman Kardon 11-speaker, nappa leather, panoramic roof. |
| AWD Hybrid Sport | $54,990 +ORC | 2.5L petrol hybrid | 6.2 L/100 km | AWD | |
| AWD Hybrid Touring | $55,990 +ORC | 2.5L petrol hybrid | 6.2 L/100 km | AWD |
AWD Premium
$46,490 +ORC
- Engine
- 2.5L petrol
- Fuel use
- 7.9 L/100 km
- Drive
- AWD
Leather, 12.3-inch driver cluster, the mid-spec sweet spot.
AWD Hybrid
$46,490 +ORC
- Engine
- 2.5L petrol hybrid
- Fuel use
- 6.2 L/100 km
- Drive
- AWD
AWD Sport
$48,490 +ORC
- Engine
- 2.5L petrol
- Fuel use
- 7.9 L/100 km
- Drive
- AWD
19-inch alloys, sport seats, blacked-out exterior trim.
Show all 7 grades
AWD Touring
$50,990 +ORC
- Engine
- 2.5L petrol
- Fuel use
- 7.9 L/100 km
- Drive
- AWD
Harman Kardon 11-speaker, nappa leather, panoramic roof.
AWD Hybrid Sport
$54,990 +ORC
- Engine
- 2.5L petrol hybrid
- Fuel use
- 6.2 L/100 km
- Drive
- AWD
AWD Hybrid Touring
$55,990 +ORC
- Engine
- 2.5L petrol hybrid
- Fuel use
- 6.2 L/100 km
- Drive
- AWD
Practicality and safety
5 seats
Seating
484 L
Boot space. 1,769 L seats down
5-star ANCAP
Safety rating. Rated 2024
AWD
Drivetrain
Top rivals
Look at the alternatives if you want a hybrid drivetrain (RAV4 or Tucson HEV), a 7-year Korean warranty (Sportage), or 7 seats (X-Trail).
Frequently asked questions
How much is the 2026 Subaru Forester in Australia?
Pricing opens at $43,490 plus on-roads for the AWD and tops out at $55,990 plus on-roads for the AWD Hybrid Touring, across 7 variants. Prices checked October 2026, so confirm with a dealer.
Is the Subaru Forester all-wheel drive?
Yes. Symmetrical AWD is standard across every grade. There is no front-wheel drive option.
Does the Subaru Forester come as a hybrid?
Not yet in Australia. The global Forester e-Boxer hybrid has not been confirmed for the local market at the time of writing.
How much can the Subaru Forester tow?
1,800 kg braked across every grade.
The Subaru Forester in full
The sixth-generation Forester arrives with the Symmetrical AWD layout that has defined the nameplate since 1997, paired with Subaru's 2.5-litre naturally aspirated boxer four. Four grades, all AWD, with EyeSight driver assistance standard.
From$43,490+ORC
View grades